Melo Villareal
Why Do We Celebrate the Flores de Mayo Festival?
May is a festive month in the Philippines, wherein a bountiful harvest of fruits, unique crops, and flowers is celebrated in most agricultural towns in the country.
Flowers seem to bloom overnight when the rains come after a long dry spell. To celebrate the much-needed rains, the Filipinos celebrate by praising the Blessed Virgin Mary by holding a yearly Santacruzan.
First, they gather the flowers and use them to decorate the church’s aisles and altars. The flowers are then bundled into giant blooms and used in many different springtime festivals collectively known as “Flores De Mayo” or Flowers of May.
Many predominately Catholic towns in the Philippines celebrate Flores de Mayo with gatherings in the afternoons to pray the rosary, offer flowers to the Virgin Mary, and enjoy locally homemade snacks. In many parishes, these afternoon sessions evolve into a procession to the church, where an evening mass is celebrated.
This process is called “Santacruzan,” or the Festival of the Holy Cross. This is to commemorate the finding of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem by Santa Helena. Young women in the towns are selected to represent the various characters of the commemoration. Each wears a unique and colorful gown to resemble the Queen she portrays. The focal point of the procession is the Reina Elena or Queen Helena. She walks with Prince Constantino under a giant canopy of May flowers.
Right behind them is a float that carries an image of the Virgin Mary. Behind that is a band that provides a festive air to the procession. As this procession slowly moves through the town’s streets, the residents holding lighted candles fall in and join as the rosary is read and songs of praise are sung. Sometimes the evening culminates with the town’s mayor hosting a dinner party to complete the celebration.
What are the interesting facts about Flores de Mayo?
Origin and Significance
Flores de Mayo is a month-long festival celebrated in the Philippines every May. It honors the Virgin Mary and is a way for devotees to offer flowers, prayers, and songs to the Blessed Mother.
Spanish Influence
The Spanish introduced the Flores de Mayo tradition while colonizing the Philippines in the 1800s. It is an adaptation of the “Flores de Maria” festival held in Spain during the same month.
Processions and Parades
One of the highlights of the Flores de Mayo celebration is the “Santacruzan” or the Mayflower procession. It features a parade of beautifully decorated floats depicting various biblical characters and scenes related to the life of the Virgin Mary.
Search for the Reyna Elena
Another significant event during Flores de Mayo is the pageant-like search for the “Reyna Elena” or Queen Helena. The chosen Reyna Elena represents the mother of Constantine the Great, who is said to have discovered the Holy Cross where Jesus was crucified.
Participation of Children
Flores de Mayo actively involves children in the festivities. They dress up as angels and join the processions while throwing petals and chanting hymns along the way.
Floral Offerings
Flowers are an integral part of the festival. Devotees offer different blooms at the church altar or during the processions. Popular flowers in the Flores de Mayo celebrations include roses, sampaguita (the Philippines’ national flower), and santan.
Religious Devotions
Flores de Mayo is a cultural celebration and a religious devotion. Apart from the processions, devotees attend daily novenas, sing hymns, and recite the rosary in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Regional Variations
While Flores de Mayo is observed nationwide, various regions in the Philippines have put their unique twist to the celebration. Some cities and towns incorporate traditional dances, music, and special rituals to make the event more distinct to their locality.
Culmination with a Mayday Festival
The Flores de Mayo festivities culminate with a grand Mayday festival featuring street parties, food stalls, art exhibits, and cultural performances. It is an opportunity for locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves in the rich traditions and heritage of the Philippines.
These exciting facts showcase the vibrant and deeply-rooted customs of Flores de Mayo, making it a significant religious and cultural event in the Philippines.
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